If you asked me what I’m most proud of in my life, I wouldn’t have to think twice. It’s my son. My pride. My joy. My comedic counterpart and the one human being who reminds me daily that I must have done something very right in this life.

In two weeks, he’s graduating from university with his first degree, and already planning his second. He’s buzzing with excitement about his career, his future, his independence. And as a mother, watching him move through life with that kind of passion is the kind of joy that keeps you smiling even when you’re bone tired.

But let’s be clear, this isn’t your standard “I’m proud of my kid” story. This is a we laugh until we can’t breathe, roast each other lovingly, cook together like it’s a Food Network showdown kind of story.

He’s My Dude (and Apparently, My Mirror)

We’re close; really close. I can count on one hand how many disagreements we’ve had, and even those ended with laughter or some kind of “lesson learned” moment. His favorite line when I tell him about one of my questionable dates?
“Now, what did we learn?”

And honestly, it’s a fair question.

He’s my voice of reason when I need one, and my biggest clown when life gets too serious. If I wake up with my hair looking like a lion auditioning for a shampoo commercial, he’s the first to tell me:
“Mom… you’re giving Heat Miser today.”

Or if I look exhausted?
“Okay, who punched you with a bag of nickels?”

That’s our love language… honest humor. The kind that heals everything.

Cooking, Chaos, and Comedy

Sundays are sacred for us. We cook together. This week’s theme? Asian. And when we say theme, we mean theme. From chopsticks to background music to “don’t burn that!” we’re fully in character. It’s always a mix of culinary chaos and pure laughter.

Sometimes we invite family or friends; sometimes it’s just us. Either way, the kitchen ends up looking like a ramen tornado, but the memories are worth every noodle on the floor.

There’s always banter, usually about who’s the better chef (me, obviously). But I’ll let him believe he wins. He’s my son, I’m supposed to let him think that sometimes.

The Leo Connection

Our birthdays are two days apart; his on August 10th, mine on the 12th, which means we’re both Leos. If you know astrology, you know what that means: two natural-born leaders with a flair for drama, humor, and occasional stubbornness.

It’s no wonder we understand each other so well. We share the same fire, the same spark, and maybe a touch of the same ego… but the good kind, the kind that pushes you to shine without dimming anyone else.

And yes, I did nurse him. Maybe that’s part of our lifelong bond too; that early connection built on nurturing and closeness. But what keeps it alive now is that we genuinely like each other. We’re friends, comedians, and co-chefs rolled into one.

My Reaction Reel Co-Star

He tells me all the time I should do reaction videos on YouTube because my face says it all. Apparently, I’m “naturally funny”… his words, not mine. He swears my expressions deserve their own channel. And honestly, he’s not wrong. If you’ve ever caught me reacting to bad news or bad behavior, you already know.

Maybe he’s onto something. Maybe our next Sunday project will be a mother-son YouTube series: “Reactions, Recipes, and Real Talk.”

I’ll bring the faces; he’ll bring the editing skills. We’ll probably spend half the time laughing too hard to finish filming, but that’s fine. That’s us.

Why I’m So Proud

It’s not just his degree. It’s who he’s become. The man he is. The kindness, humor, intelligence, and respect that flow out of him like second nature.

He treats people with compassion. He listens. He builds bridges, not walls. He’s the kind of person who can make a room lighter just by walking in, and I see so much of myself in that.
But even better, I see how he’s taken what I taught him and evolved it into something even greater.

Watching him grow up has been like watching the best part of myself bloom in someone else.

Final Thought

I know people say no one’s perfect, but honestly? Our life together feels pretty close.
Not because it’s flawless, but because it’s real.

It’s laughter and lessons.
Cooking and chaos.
Teasing and tenderness.

He’s my favorite person, my greatest pride, and the proof that love… when it’s rooted in humor, honesty, and understanding, can truly create something extraordinary.